1
OUR
APPROACH
It all starts with the question: what was the baseline for our species—in our behavior, in our interaction with the environment and each other—that shaped our structure and physiology to the current form? Once we deviate from these baselines, what are the implications for our physical and mental health, performance, and beyond - in finding a sense of fulfillment, meaning, and joy in our lives?
Together, we will look at what made us the way we are and thus uncover the principles behind our design. We will dive deep into the science all while keeping in mind the cultural aspects that cross places and generations, such as food acquisition, cooking, playing/fighting, dance, art, rituals, and storytelling.
The workshops consist of two intertwined sections—beyond physical practice and beyond food procurement—through which we will explore the idea of "coming back to our senses" – rediscovering aspects of ourselves to which we grew less perceptive.
2
beyond
physical practice
There is no perception without action. Via the combination of movement-based tasks, we will explore the principles and trade-offs behind our body's core structural and physiological features – from being bi-pedal to the human metabolic strategy. We will seek to comprehend the implications of our evolutionary baggage and how it shapes our relationship with modernity, where our body either lacks many of its former or has too much of the novel stimuli from the outer/inner environment.
In beyond physical practice,
we will cover:
- The logic behind creating a dynamically changing physical practice that addresses our physical, cognitive and personal needs in particular phases of our lives.
- How the way we practice can help us physicalize the challenges we carry in our heads and re-create the narrative of our lives and identity.
- How to approach physical practice through the lens of evolutionary biology – understanding the principles behind our design, what are its weak points, and how various forms of physical activities affect our whole system.
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3
beyond
food Procurement
In ecology and evolution, diet is destiny. Following this notion, we will look at how the ancestral heritage of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle shaped the behavior and physiology of our species. We will examine how engaging in these archetypal activities provides us with a plethora of potent stimuli that enhance our cognitive and physical capabilities.
We will focus on developing and deepening the perceptiveness in understanding the outer landscape/environment and our interaction with it and creating a more intimate relationship with the food we eat.
We will focus on developing and deepening the perceptiveness in understanding the outer landscape/environment and our interaction with it and creating a more intimate relationship with the food we eat.
In beyond food procurement,
we will cover:
- How developing foraging and hunting skills can help your ability to understand the seasons and cycles in the outside world and consequently cultivate a better understanding of your own habits, behaviors, and internal cycles.
- How food acquisition, preservation, and cooking shaped us as a species, and how to use this knowledge to improve the digestibility, quality, and flavor of our cuisine.
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4
Cooking As a facilitator
of culture & connection:
For the final workshop day – we will get together for guided tours through the sustainable Pearl Morissette Gardens and have a celebratory meal at their restaurant prepared by one of the team members, Sanat Kapila.
Simultaneously, we will use this time for Q&A and reflecting on the workshop’s experiences.
Simultaneously, we will use this time for Q&A and reflecting on the workshop’s experiences.
